Know the Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that renders the body unable to control sugars in the blood. Some patients have type 1 diabetes, while others suffer from the type 2 diabetes. The diseases are similar, differing only in the speed at which they manifest.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms develop relatively quickly. This form of diabetes is caused by an autoimmune response within the body. This response creates an attack on the valuable beta cells that are found in the pancreas. In the case of type 1 diabetes, there is no insulin being produced. Therefore, the symptoms develop rapidly and the disease worsens very quickly. Without early diagnosis and proper treatment a person suffering type 1 diabetes can quickly fall into a diabetic coma. This irreversible condition causes the patient to face a lifetime of insulin supplements.
The situation is quite different with type 2 diabetes. In this form of the disease, some insulin is still being produced. There is a natural release of insulin, however it may not be enough for the body to process, or the cells may have become resistant and unable to utilize the available insulin. In type 2 diabetes the symptoms develop more slowly and grow progressively worse over an extended period of time, and it may be years before a diagnosis is in place.
Signs of diabetes are similar in both type 1 and type 2. If you feel that you are showing signs of diabetes, seek medical advice right away.
* Persistent Thirst: A consistent feeling of thirst may indicate the progression of diabetes. This can also be caused by other factors, but it's worth talking to your doctor to rule out the possibility of diabetes.
* Lethargy and Drowsiness: Fatigue is a common complaint for anyone with a busy lifestyle. If you're often drowsy and lack energy, however, you should point this out to your doctor.
* Frequent Urination: Obviously, if you are taking in greater amounts of fluid, you will be releasing an equally large amount. However, diabetes can present with a sweet smell to the urine, indicating higher than normal levels of sugar. Other conditions can cause frequent urination. Again, ask your doctor to be sure.
* Changes in vision: High blood glucose levels can cause damage to smaller blood vessels. This, in turn, can cause damage to the sensitive structure of the eye. Any sudden changes in your vision must be investigated promptly.
* Sugary Breath: Increased sugar levels in the blood can create a sweet smell to the breath. If you or your friends notice that your breath smells sweet, you should consider the possibility of this being a symptom of diabetes.
* Eating More: There are many causes of an increased appetite, but it can also pose a potential risk of diabetes. Speak with a doctor if you have unexplained weight loss along with your increased appetite
* Breathing Difficulties: Labored or heavy indicates many respiratory conditions, but it can also be a sign of diabetes that must not be ignored.
* Stupor and/or Unconsciousness: These can be the last signs of diabetes presented. Unfortunately, by the time the patient shows these symptoms, it can be too late for treatment. .
Diabetes can affect anyone, so it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Early detection is the key to successfully treating both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Ignoring the signs and delaying treatment, on the other hand, may lead to additional health risks and more serious complications. See your doctor immediately if you have one symptom or a combination of the signs of diabetes.
Article Source: Article Beam - a service of A1 Web Server Web Hosting
Author Mary Davis contributes articles to numerous popular web magazines, on health diet fitness and family health themes.
Click here to get your own unique version of this article: Uber Articles directory.
Please Rate this Article